Crystal Palace: How Hodgson is ‘obsessed’ with £9m starlet at Selhurst Park
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has struggled at times at Selhurst Park.
After failing to secure a transfer during the summer, Jean-Philippe Matheta has been linked with a future at Crystal Palace, according to Sunday Mirror columnist Ryan Taylor. Mateta, 26, looked set to leave Selhurst Park in the summer, and Taylor has revealed what the future holds for the striker.
Crystal Palace news – Jean-Philippe Mateta
Mateta joined Palace for £9m in 2022 after a spell on loan, as reported by Sky Sports. Since then, the French striker has scored just 13 times in 70 appearances for the club, per Transfermarkt. That includes three goals against Plymouth last week. It looked as though Mateta was set to leave Palace before the transfer window closed on Friday. The Evening Standard reported in August that Borussia Dortmund were interested in signing the striker, while Roy Hodgson’s recruitment team had failed to bring in any centre-forwards during the window. Mateta, though, stayed with the club, making an appearance in Saturday’s 3-0 win over the visitors, albeit only for 20 minutes. He came off the bench and scored twice. Sunday Mirror journalist Taylor now has an update on Mateta’s future and whether he could be used by Hodgson this season.
What has Taylor said about Crystal Palace and Mateta?
Taylor added that Mateta was likely to leave during the window, but he believed Hodgson was a big admirer of the striker. However, Taylor added that Palace needed more goal-scoring threat from the final third, and this could come from the youngster. Taylor said Mateta had been the subject of several bids from German club RB Leipzig, with other clubs from Germany also interested. He added: “If that’s the situation, then yes, it did seem like Mateta was going to leave. But I think Hodgson, as far as I know, is a big admirer. He likes Mateta. He scored a hat-tackle against Plymouth last Tuesday.” Taylor added: “I think Palace need a goal-maker in the final third.” Edouard has done well at times, but I think they might need a wide player. That could be Matheus Franco.
What’s next for Crystal Palace?
Crystal Palace have had a good start to the season, and with the latest addition to their squad, we can expect to see results improve in the new season. The Journalist Paul Brown had previously stated that the former Arsenal defender, who joined on deadline day, would be a good addition to Selhurst Park and would have a positive impact on the dressing room. Palace are currently sitting in seventh place in the Premier League and with the addition of Holding, they could be looking to consolidate their position in the top half of the table.
